Guatemala, on the alert for the outbreak of swine flu in Mexico

Epidemic of swine influenza

Guatemala's proximity to Mexico is the main concern of the Guatemalan authorities. AFP AFP

• Guatemala ordered increased monitoring of the border with Mexico

Guatemala has convened an emergency meeting with representatives of the Ministries of Health, the Interior (Interior), and Agriculture to discuss the situation

GUATEMALA .- The health authorities of Guatemala said they were now on alert and ordered to better control the border with Mexico, for fear of entering the country swine flu that has caused at least 20 dead in that country.

The head of the Epidemiology Unit of the Guatemalan Ministry of Health, Gerberth Morales told reporters that "it has convened an emergency meeting with representatives of the Ministries of Health, the Interior (Interior), and Agriculture to discuss the situation."

For now, the official said, "there has been no case similar to those reported in Mexico, where according to official figures, have died at least 20 people and have detactado over a thousand cases involving this virus.

The swine flu is a subtype of the H1N1 strain traditional (seasonal influenza), which mutual of pigs to humans.

The symptoms of this flu are fever above 39 degrees, which is so sudden, cough, severe headache, joint and muscle pain, eye irritation and nasal discharge.

Guatemala's proximity to Mexico is the main concern of the Guatemalan authorities.

A spokesman for the Epidemiology Unit of the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Food of Guatemala assured the press that "currently there is no risk from consuming pork or beef," as they are not a source of contagion.

However, he noted that the authorities maintain a "constant monitoring".

Guatemala and Mexico share a border line of 974 kilometers.